With everybody we have got on the treatment table we are not going to have much choice when it comes to resting people

Manchester City assistant manager David Platt

Mancini did his best Santa Claus impression at the Etihad Stadium when he failed to lead the Blues to all three points against a stubborn and well- organised Everton outfit.

There were no such favours from United in return as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men duly came from behind to win at Reading and open up a three-point lead at the top.

But it looks like the presents Mancini seems intent on giving out to his neighbours won’t stop there as the Italian enters one of the biggest weeks of his time in charge so far.

Tomorrow the Blues travel to Germany to face Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund in the final Group D game in the Champions League.

It is the last thing the Blues need, considering it comes just a few days before United visit for the mother of all derbies and a clash that promises to have a huge outcome on the destination of the title.

Mancini’s men cannot even qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, even with a win in Dortmund.

However, if he thought he could take the chance to rest some of his biggest and most influential stars then he can think again.

Firstly, the Italian has a growing injury crisis that is leaving even his massive squad looking vulnerable, with James Milner, Micah Richards, Gael Clichy and now Aleksandar Kolarov all ruled out.

Secondly, and much more importantly, the Blues’ owners in Abu Dhabi are desperate for the club to remain in Europe by securing a place in the Europa League.

The problem is, however, that several of Mancini’s men look desperately in need of a rest, which is exactly what most of United’s leading lights will get from Fergie when his side entertain Cluj this week, having already reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

Mancini’s men will trail United by six points should they surrender their long, unbeaten league record at home when Fergie’s men bob round on Sunday.

The significance of the week ahead is not lost on Maicon, even if the demands of defending in English football might be at times.

The Brazil star said: “We are playing for pride on Tuesday, but also for practical reasons because we want to carry on playing in Europe, even if it is not in the top competition.

“The Europa League is important to us, so we need to try to stay in Europe until the end of the season if we can.

“All over the world, the derby is a different game to any other.

“It is a passionate game, whether you are in Manchester, Milan or Brazil, and I am sure next Sunday will be just the same.”

Everton took the game to the hosts, dominating possession and putting the Blues defence under pressure before taking a deserved lead on 33 minutes through Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini, who was a giant throughout in more ways than one, bundled home Leighton Baines’ cross at the second attempt after Joe Hart had done well to block his initial header.

It was just a shame Fellaini blotted his copybook by pulling down Edin Dzeko to concede a needless penalty which Carlos Tevez duly converted just before half-time to haul his side level.

Moyes was less than impressed with referee Lee Probert’s decision – not least because the official told him the foul had been given against Leon Osman.

But he will be fuming even more this morning when he discovers the Blues have been awarded 21 penalties in the Premier League since the start of 2010 – more than any other top-flight team.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Mancini left the talking to assistant boss David Platt afterwards.

“The fortunate thing is that it is a Tuesday night game in Dortmund and we’ve got an extra day to recover because the derby isn’t until Sunday,” said Platt.

“Four days is enough to recover. You don’t grumble about that. With everybody we have got on the treatment table we are not going to have much choice when it comes to resting people.

“We haven’t got an advantage over United. They have already qualified and can pick any team they want, but between Tuesday and Sunday there’s plenty of time for us to recover.”